Actor Gary Sinise supporting veterans in Ill.

The “Forrest Gump” star helped kickoff ticket sales for “Rockin’ for the Troops” on Thursday at the Navistar headquarters in Lisle.

The concert is planned for July 21 in nearby Weaton. Sinise is slated to perform with his Lt. Dan Band, which is named for his character in the Oscar-winning movie.

The Daily Herald reports (http://bit.ly/IN38n4) that proceeds will benefit Operation Support Our Troops America. The Naperville-based charity has raised $2 million for projects benefiting veterans, including research on post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.

Sinise says “we all enjoy what the military provides for us.”

Officials from Navistar and other companies also announced efforts to hire returning veterans.